In reality, Uttarakhand is known as Devbhoomi. Uttarakhand, which is blessed with a sublime beauty and is steeped in spiritual mythology, is a trekker’s paradise. The region’s fascinating geography treats you to a memorable trekking adventure, and the majestic Himalayas enchant you to the point that you want to return for more. You are not in the mountains; rather, the mountains are in you, as John Muir so eloquently put it.
One such high altitude trip that fascinates hikers with a varied vista of Uttarakhand terrain and provides everything a hiker could possibly want is Bali Pass. Take a virtual tour of this less travelled path;
Several data
Region: Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas
The highest point is 16,240 feet.
Trek level: challenging
Timeframe: 10 days
64 kilometres
Best Seasons: May to June and September to October Start Point: Sankri End Point: Janki Chatti
20 degree maximum and -5 degree lowest temperatures
Overview of the Bali Pass Trek
Bali Pass, a high altitude journey that flatters you with the many facets of the Himalayas, is located at an elevation of 16,240 feet. Through this challenging journey, which links Yamunotri and Har Ki Dun Valley, you may experience the unadulterated beauty of a Himalayan pass crossing. The hike travels along small, dangerous paths with some high ascents and descents. In addition to taking you to the holy Ruinsara Lake and Yamunotri shrine, it also takes you along the Tons, Yamuna, and Supin rivers.
This walk rewards you with breathtaking views of the majestic trio of Kala Nag, Bandarpoonch, and Swargarohini peaks as you pass through steep terrains, dense forests, lush meadows, colourful orchards, sacred lakes, and temples. In the late 1940s, Jack Gibson, a teacher at Doon School, popularised the path.
The trek is intended for experienced trekkers, and the difficult terrain requires that you have a fit physique and good mental endurance. Previous trekking experience is also a requirement.
Crowning glories of Bali Pass Trek
Village of Sankri
As you go from Dehradun to Sankri, you are awed by countless natural wonders. Sankri hamlet, located at an elevation of 6,234 feet, is where the walk begins. It provides a brief glimpse of the residents’ simple way of life.
Village of Gangad
The locals revere Duryodhana as their God and think of themselves as the descendants of the Kauravas. The temples have exquisite wood carvings and architecture. Enjoy the regional specialties and energising tea brimming with the aroma of their warmth.
Views:
The trek’s clearest highlights are the unobstructed views of the holy mountains Swargarohini, Kala Nag, and Bandarpoonch from Bali Pass.
Rivers:
The rivers Yamuna, Tons, and Supin give the climb to Bali Pass a sparkling charm. Ruinsara Lake
Ruinsara Lake, which is stunningly lovely and overlooks a large meadow, is tucked away among the revered Swargarohini mountain range. During their exile, the Pandavas are thought to have visited this area frequently.
High altitude Camping
This is one of the rare hikes that allows for high altitude camping at a 13,452 foot elevation.
Yamunotri and Yamunotri Temple:
Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna, the second-most sacred river to Hindus.
The main draw of the Bali Pass hike is Yamunotri Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna. One of the four Chota Char Dhams is this one.
Bali Pass
As you follow Odari to the spectacular Bali Pass, feel the rush of a steep rise and quick manoeuvres. It’s beautiful to observe the enormous peaks and the icy Saptarishi Kund.
Itinerary
Day 1
the Bali Pass Trek
Get there in Sankri
Day 2
Taluka Sankri (1920 M) (2107 M) From Taluka-Seema (2560 M), 12 Km via Road & Trek (6-7 Hours)
Day 3
9 km walk from Seema Camp to Rainbasera (4 hours)
Day 4
Itinerary for the Bali Pass Trek from Rainbasera to Ruinsara Tal, 7.5 kilometres, 4 hours.
Day 5
Odari to Ruinsara Tal: 4 kilometres (3 hours)
Day 6
3.25 kilometres from Odari to Base Camp (3 hours)
Day 7
10 kilometres from Base Camp to Lower Dhamni via Bali Pass (8-10 hours)
Day 8
Trekking 9.5 miles from Lower Dhamni to Jaan ki Chattivia Yamunotri
Day 9
Moving forward from Janki
How to Get There:
From Delhi, take a train to Dehradun, and then take a car trip to Sankri (210 km, around 10 hours of drive).
Road:
Travel 460 kilometres (9 hours) from Delhi to Sankri by car, or take the Dehradun-Sankri route (210 km, around 10 hours of drive).
By air:
Fly into Jolly Grant Airport to get to Dehradun, then take a car to Sankri (210 km, around 10 hours of drive).
